Buying another Ranger.....need some advice
Hello all.
My old Ranger is on its last leg. The last few months have been problem after problem and its looking like now I may have a bad head gasket. After nearly 300,000 miles maybe its time for her to go out to pasture.
I have two great options for a new one. The first is exactly the same as my current truck. Same year (97) same engine and trans (2.3 Lima/5 speed w/OD) and just shy of 100,000 miles. It's a steal for the price. I know what they are capable of. I've had mine for nearly 10 years and 200,000 miles of my own driving. (mine had 97,000 on it when I bought it) This one is a standard cab just like mine and a step side. When I got mine it was good for 28-30 MPG for years.
The second is a 2010 Extended Cab. 2.3 Duratech and automatic trans. 130,000 miles. It's about $2500 more than the first, but a better engine (IMO) but an automatic (I do prefer a stick but It may not be a deal breaker) The price is reasonable for the age and mileage. The door sticker says it has a 4:10 rear, but they are claiming 27 MPG. Is that even close? I would think maybe with a 3:73, but a 4:10? I drive about 120 miles a day for work. MPG is kind of important to me.
Neither is anywhere close to being out of my price range. I just don't buy "new" trucks. Driving 25k-30k miles a year takes the value down to quickly.
What do you think? I don't know much of anything about the newer Rangers having owned mine for so long. The First one is a know quantity to me, but maybe the second one would be a better choice. Any advice you all have would be greatly appreciated.
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Little Black Ranger: R.I.P Born-1997 Died-2018. 297k miles of good times. You will be missed.
Oh Deer: 2003 XL 2.3L 5-speed stick w/OD. Current mods: Body work after hitting a deer 12 hours after I bought it. Averaging 32 MPG on the highway.
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